Calculating Electron and Hole Concentrations in a p-n Junction

Calculating hole and electron concentrations

Sometimes it can be complicated understanding and calculating hole and electron concentrations. My intent in this article is to briefly, but thoroughly describe what the variables used in these calculations mean and how to use them.

To begin I will introduce our variables

concentration of free electrons (donors) concentration of holes (acceptors) = number of free electrons and holes in a unit volume

In thermal equilibrium(or no doping)

and, therefore

However, doping is common in most examples. To increase the concentration of free electrons, an element with 5 valence electrons is used (i.e. Phosphorous). The resultant material is said to be n-type. To increase the number of holes, an element with 3 valence electrons is used (i.e. Boron). The resultant material is said to be p-type.

This introduces subscript n’s and p’s along with our concentration of free electron and hole variables.

p-type silicon:

Note: The subscript indicates whether the material is n-type or p-type.

Calculations

Typically you first want to identify whether the material you are working with is p-type or n-type. This introduces two new variables. which refers to the concentration of donor atoms and which refers to the concentration of acceptor atoms.

n-type silicon:

Here you will use the variables , , , and .

p-type silicon:

Here you will use the variables , , , and .

In most cases and or will be given and you will be able to find or . Then you will find or from the equations above.